Who Knows Where the Time Goes...

There's a hand drawn montage in our guest room...at 5 years old, my son (now 17!)used colored pencils to draw pictures of "Winter" "Spring" "Summer" and "Fall." I framed them. What is most striking about each picture, completed in colored pencils, is the gesture-like movement of each character he creates to depict the season. Of the two characters, the "Fall" and "Spring" are most striking.

"Spring" has color, and a figure looking as if he is 'springing' up off the page. It is joyful. "Fall" has an illustration of a little gnome-like creature actually falling, almost, sliding down the page. No wonder Van Gogh studied children's art for so many years. There is such purity and depth in a child's interpretation. I have my kids' artwork framed all over my walls. Masterpieces to me.

Most people love Spring...its warmth and beauty...flowers sprouting, sweet smells. Not me. I never trust the beauty of Spring. It is too quick and immediate. The crocuses jump out of the ground, faster than I can open my eyes. It is too easy, too innocent and too short.

But Fall? Fall is for the melancholy. I love the Fall. If Spring is for lovers, than Fall is for dreamers. Fall is full...most of us feel a sudden transition from Summer to Fall; from the warmth to cooler weather. The freedom followed by structure...many schools and trainings begin in Fall...and then, the leaves change...so many colors and variations. Fall is about ending...and reflecting, which is quite connected to beginning. Death is about re-birth... to die well, is to reflect and celebrate the life one has led. The leaves do this so beautifully. Living in the Northeast, I relish the leaves and their change of color...one by one each leaf floats, willowing in the wind with a dance that seemingly purposefully relishes in the life it lived through its seasons on the branch of a tree.

I found a song today. There are so many good songs about Fall...such as September Song, Try to Remember and others. The song I heard today, it seems everyone already knows! How could that be? It is called: 'Who Knows Where the Tim Goes?' I first heard it on an Eva Cassidy album and was struck by its tenderness. Most know it covered by Judy Collins. The British folk starter Sandy Denny is the composer and lyricist and she sings it with heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbpURBJA4uA&feature=related Sadly, Denny fell down a flight of stairs at age 31-and died. Cause of death-not completely certain. This does impact the way I hear this song-she had so little time on earth.

Since one of the most frequented blogs of mine was about favorite songs...I wondered about what songs or pieces of music hold others during this time of year. I would love to hear from you.